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Pictures 1 - 2 Before Melissa, 3-4-5 After the hurricane.
Donate now to help Black River recover. Every dollar, every share, every connection makes a real difference.
Hello, my name is Stacy Brooks.
Jamaica is my country of birth, though Canada has been home for over 40 years. My connection to the island, and especially to Black River, runs deep.
My sister Michelle and her husband John built their retirement dream there. Over seven years, they created Thrivers Haven, a guesthouse designed not just to welcome visitors, but to support and uplift the local community.
Just as the first phase was completed and ready to open, Hurricane Melissa struck.
On October 28, 2025 the storm tore through Jamaica's southwest coast. The eye passed directly over Parottee, Black River, where Thrivers Haven sits along the seaside — the hardest-hit area.
In a matter of hours, everything changed.
The property was severely damaged. Electrical systems, plumbing, appliances, furnishings, and critical infrastructure were all impacted. What remains is the lower concrete structure, still standing, but surrounded by devastation.
In the early days, the goal was simple: restore Thrivers Haven quickly to support emergency response efforts and provide accommodation for aid workers.
But months later, something more has taken shape.
As we cleared debris and began rebuilding, we found ourselves working alongside incredible community partners, including:
- NEPA (National Environment and Planning Agency)
- NWC (National Water Commission)
- Road Works
- C.O.R.E. (coreresponse.org)
Together, these efforts have turned Thrivers Haven into more than a rebuilding project. It has become a point of momentum for the community.
- Families are still without stable homes.
- Access to basic utilities is still inconsistent.
- Power is still not fully restored in parts of the community.
And yet, people are showing up.
What we are seeing now is a shift. A return. A rebuilding — not just of structures, but of spirit.
Our work at Thrivers Haven is helping to motivate the community to rebuild, to return to the area, and to come back stronger and better. It is also creating opportunities for local employment, especially for youth and members of the surrounding community.
This is no longer just about restoring a guesthouse.
It is about helping restore a community.
Our Goal
We are raising $50,000 to support:
- Electrical and plumbing restoration
- Replacement of essential appliances
- Structural repairs and rebuilding
- Transportation needs
- Furnishings and operational setup
Continued community support and local employment opportunities
How You Can Help
Every contribution helps move this forward.
- If you believe in rebuilding with purpose,
- If you believe in community,
- If you want to be part of something that creates real impact —
We invite you to support this effort.
- Donate if you can.
- Share this campaign.
- Connect us with others who can help.
Our Commitment
We remain committed to transparency. You will receive updates, photos, and clear reporting on how funds are being used, so you can see the impact of your support.
Thank You
To everyone who has supported, donated, shared, and stood with us — thank you.
Your support is helping rebuild more than a place. It is helping restore hope, opportunity, and a future for Black River.
- We are rebuilding.
- We are restoring.
- And we are doing it together.
With gratitude,
Stacy Brooks & The Thrivers Haven Team